Thank you.
On the main thread there is a post that air marshalls have been on the alert for a shoe bomber this week and that an Egyptian tested positive for explosives on his shoes at JFK. Supposedly a student and heading to Des Moines. Feds can't locate him now. Quite interesting. I'm going to look for more on this report tomorrow (unless the late night TMers can find something on it)
Over and out.
(President Bush hosted another dinner this year for Muslim leaders at the White House for the traditional meal that marks the end of a daily Ramadan fast.
Hosting Islamic leaders at the White House has become an annual event, one which began in 2001 after Islamic terrorists slammed three aircraft loaded with innocent Americans in the World Trade Center and Pentagon building and crashed a fourth filled with passengers into a field in Pennsylvania.
I always thought that an odd tradition to start, given the circumstances. Sort of like hosting an annual Shinto celebration in Washington, starting right after Pearl Harbor.
Bush's guest list this year includes prominent Muslim-Americans and ambassadors from large Muslim countries. In previous years, Bush hosted prominent Muslim-American leaders with strong connections with terrorism, like Muzzamil Siddiqi and Abdurahman Alamoudi.)
and recently sent this letter on White House stationary,
(President Bush sent greetings to Muslims around the world November 4 on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that ends the holy month of Ramadan.
In a White House press statement, the president welcomed the generous contributions of American Muslims to relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
Following is the text of the press statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary (Mar del Plata, Argentina) November 4, 2005
I send warm greetings to American Muslims and Muslims around the world observing Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time of prayer, reflection, and fasting. It is the holiest month of the Muslim year. To celebrate this holiday, many Muslims gather in their homes and mosques to thank God for His blessings and His help in keeping the fast. Muslims also demonstrate their compassion by reaching out to the less fortunate and giving gifts of money or food to help those in need. This year, many American Muslims have reached out to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma and to those affected by the devastating earthquake in South Asia. Their contributions have been generous and reflect the important values shared by all Americans.
Our Nation is blessed to count many Muslims among our fellow citizens. As Americans, we share a commitment to family, a belief in God's justice and man's moral responsibility, and hope for a future of peace and tolerance.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyful celebration. Eid Mubarak.
GEORGE W. BUSH ),
which leads to the question "just what the hell is he doing?" Said question becoming more unanswerable considering Bush's delight in leaving our borders undefended while playing kissy-face with the Clintons and CFR.